Derailed tankers create alcohol mess

Two tankers, each holding 30,000 gallons of denatured alcohol, were on their sides leaking fluids just south of the 34th Avenue overpass near Anderson Merchandisers. Five gallons spilled on the ground, according to the Amarillo Fire Department that responded as part of a hazardous material alarm.

Officials for BNSF could not be reached for comment Monday.

AFD Capt. Bob Johnson said the fire department only responds to assess the situation, but does not handle cleanup. Johnson said it is the responsibility of the company.

"As far as cleaning up and stopping the leak, they are the experts. That's why we call them," Johnson said.

He added that no evacuation of the area was needed considering it was railroad tracks on Christmas Day, and that the area was fairly isolated to begin with.